Staff
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMorgan Jones
Morgan Jones, a registered architect, knows first-hand about the importance of supportive role models and access to opportunities when it comes to being successful in STEM. That's ultimately what led her to found the STEAM Engine. She credits her pursuit of a challenging profession to the supportive voices of her parents, teachers, and other adult volunteers as well as the numerous opportunities she had to explore her interests, including 7th grade Math camp, 9th grade Forensics camp, and 11th grade Architecture camp, to name a few. Her love of Oklahoma runs deeps. She has lived in 6 different Oklahoma towns including Norman, Ardmore, Edmond, Stillwater, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, and has spent extended amounts of time in Granite/Altus, Marlow, Wynnewood, and Tahlequah. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University. When not running programs, meeting people in the community, or working on the next strategic idea, she likes to spend time with her husband Marcus, sons Miller and Mason, and extended family at the family farm or the lake.
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DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OPERATIONSShelby SchaeferShelby Schaefer is an experienced operations director, people leader, and chemist-at-heart. Shelby, a former first-generation and low-income student, graduated with honors from Binghamton University in New York with degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Following graduation, she pursued varied passions in her search for a career that fulfilled her desire to help others while still tying in her love of STEM and the arts. After gaining experience in leadership and management via the private education and healthcare administration industries, she found the STEAM Engine last fall and fell in love with the mission and vision. Above all, Shelby values making positive differences in the lives of those in her community; she feels she is best able to have this impact by bringing her strong skill set, self-starter attitude, and passion for excellence to bring more STEAM Engine programming to Oklahoma youth. When Shelby is not in the office, you may find her reading up on the newest research in molecular photochemistry or plant medicine, backcountry camping through our National Parks, or chatting with friends about music and books over coffee.
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STEAM OUTREACH SPECIALISTLaconia ButlerLaconia Butler is a passionate, informal science educator and community outreach specialist. Born and raised in California to a mother who was a teacher, learning and education are her one constant. While studying space sciences and astrophysics in college, she worked for NASA and California Academy of Sciences where she learned that she could combine all of her loves: research, science and outreach education. For more than 10 years she has worked with various organizations across the Country, creating and running informal outreach educational programs. She moved to Oklahoma in 2019 and has helped create educational programs in the OKC metro area. After hearing about the STEAM Engine she knew she wanted to be part of an organization that makes a lasting impact on the youth and community here in Oklahoma--allowing students to learn and become an integral part of the growing movement that is STEAM. In her spare time, Laconia is active in the local craft beer community, traveling, and can often be found reading a new book or spending time with her friends.
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